KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – A Nashville teen has been charged after authorities said he crashed into a light pole and a tree on Cumberland Avenue in Knoxville early Saturday morning.
According to court records obtained by WVLT News, officers saw a car being driven by 19-year-old Boston West speeding northbound on Chapman Highway shortly after 3 a.m. When officers turned on their emergency lights, West sped away while the light was still red and crashed shortly thereafter on Cumberland Avenue at 19th Street.
Officers said he crashed into a bike rack, bench, light pole and tree on the northbound sidewalk in front of Regions Bank and shattered a window at Cumberland Food Hall.
After a witness pointed out West and a passenger from the car, 21-year-old John Yates, who were trying to blend into a nearby crowd, they were detained. There, officers said West had the odor of alcohol on his breath and bloodshot eyes, and he failed sobriety tests. He told police he was coming from a home in South Knoxville and was going “probably maybe 90 miles per hour” but hadn’t had anything to drink.
While West’s car was being towed from the scene, officers said they found marijuana and other drug paraphernalia. Additionally, he also had a suspended license.
West was taken into custody and charged with the following:
- Speeding
- Prohibited purchases or possession by underage persons
- Vandalism less than $10,000
- Reckless endangerment
- Possession of a suspended driver’s license
- Disregard traffic signal
- Due care
- Possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia uses and activities
- Driving while license suspended
- Simple possession
- Evading arrest
- Vandalism less than $2,500
- Driving under the influence – First offense
As for Yates, he was charged with evading arrest and public intoxication.
Both are set to appear in court this (Monday) morning.
